The first directions hearing of the urgent High Court challenge to the Australian Government’s postal plebiscite will happen this afternoon.

Anna Brown, Director of Legal Advocacy at the Human Rights Law Centre which is representing Australian Marriage Equality and Senator Janet Rice, said the urgent application was necessary to test the constitutional validity of the postal plebiscite on marriage equality.

“All Australians should have the same opportunities for love, commitment and happiness. Australians don’t want more excuses or delaying tactics – we want marriage equality,” said Ms Brown

“There are important questions about the lawfulness of this postal plebiscite. It is appropriate for the High Court to consider them,” said Ms Brown.

Alex Greenwich, Co-Chair of Australian Marriage Equality, said it was important for the national campaign for marriage equality to bring this action on behalf the many supporters of marriage equality across the country.

“Our legal challenge is a reminder to the government that it's time they did their job and voted for marriage equality, rather than wasting time and money,” said Mr Greenwich.

A long-time advocate for marriage equality and member of the LGBTIQ community, Senator Janet Rice, said LGBTIQ people should not have their relationships, their identities and their families come under vicious scrutiny for a survey that is non-binding and non-compulsory.

"I’m pleased that the movement for equality has put forward strong legal challenges, and I’m honoured to be a part of these. The postal plebiscite would subvert the will of the Parliament after the Senate again rejected legislation for a plebiscite. LGBTIQ Australians and their families will be hurt by this expensive, divisive, non-compulsory, non-binding postal plebiscite,” said Senator Rice.

Human Rights Law Centre

The HRLC is an independent, not-for-profit organisation which protects and promotes human rights in Australia and beyond through a strategic mix of legal action, advocacy, education and capacity building.